Aigüestortes and Sant Maurici Lake

We visited the Westernmost Catalan Pyreneesor, in other words, the environment of the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

This area of the Pyrenees attracts a multitude of French and Spanish skiers who come to practice this sport in the Espot resortand which is very accessible internationally because of the proximity to Toulouse airport or with flights to Barcelona. Many of those who set out to visit the site of the National Park elect the people of Espot to stay in one of its hotels or rural houses. In addition, its proximity to the winter season of Espot Ski have turned it into a very well-equipped village in terms of services and access.

The surroundings of Espot are surrounded by valleys and mountain ranges dotted by dozens of lakes and ponds, however, is that of Sant MauriciThe closest to the municipality is the one that gives its name to the Park. Sant Maurici is 1,910 metres above sea level. above sea level and its origin is evidently, glacier. It is 1,100 metres long and some 200 metres wide, which makes it a real ice rink during the winter months. However, Sant Maurici is not the only postcard that will surprise you. If we look up, it is easy to make out the peaks of the Encantatswhich impose their 2,700 metres above sea level to defend the lake.

Easy excursions

Nature lovers can enjoy this impressive natural paradise located in the heart of the Lleida Pyrenees. Its landscapes are characterised by the presence of more than 200 lakes or "estanys", its high mountain meanders or "aigüestortes" and forests of centenary black pines, firs, Scots pines, birches and beeches that shelter specimens of fauna of alpine or boreal origin such as chamois, capercaillie, marmot and the mythical bearded vulture.

There is a wide variety of excursions in the park. Here you can observe glacial phenomena such as U-shaped valleys and beautiful lakes. Some of the summits have imposing heights approaching 3,000 metres.

During our walk, we will come across small lagoons that interrupt the lush vegetation; y waterfalls such as La Raterawhich honours Aigüestortes (Tortuous Waters). In short, the most accessible and important part in terms of natural and scenic value is to be found in this part of the National Park. It is highly advisable to visit it, as well as at this time of the year, in the following seasons summer and early autumn when the snow leaves visible the paths and green meadows.

Multi-day routes and treks

This is another granite massif dotted with hundreds of lakes and tarns. Huts are close by, so there is great flexibility in planning, with routes lasting 5 to 7 days.

Aigüestortes - The Besiberri Massif

Gento lake, Colomina refuge, Mar lake and Saburó lake.

Estany Gento can be reached on foot from the Sallente reservoir in an hour and a half's walk. Another option is to take the cable car that connects these two points, open only during the summer. From there, the path will take you to the Colomina lake and a refuge.

Cavallers dam, Riumalo waterfall, Negre lake

The route allows you to fully appreciate the imposing 3,000-metre peaks that make up this natural park. The peculiar erosion of the glaciers caused this path to run between smooth, polished granite rocks until it reaches Lake Nerre, with a few black pines that are resistant to the weather conditions. Above the lake is the Ventosa y Calvell refuge, the end of the route, which must have taken about 2 hours and 15 minutes. From there, hikers can access the lake area in the highest part of the valley.

Other routes

• Sant Nicolau Hut - Port de Rius - Coll de Lac de Mar - Restanca Hut
• Conangles Hut - Besiberri Great Lake - Besiberri Hut
• Vall de Sant Nicolau - Aigüestortes - Estany Llong Refuge
• Estany Llong Refuge - Estany Redó - Estany Llong Refuge
• Estany Llong - Portarró d'Espot Refuge
• Cavallers Lake - Ventosa i Calvell Hut
• Ventosa i Calvell Refuge - Besiberri Nord
• Tour of the Agulles de Travessani
• Ventosa i Calvell Refuge - Montardo d'Aran
• Ventosa i Calvell Refuge - Coll de Crestada - Restanca Refuge
• Salardú/Banhs de Tredòs - Refugio de Colomèrs

Aigüestortes - Enchanted

Pierró lake, Sant Maurici lake, Ratera and Amitges lakes

This route offers a complete view of the valley of the river Escrita. It takes three hours (one way) and has a gradient of 740 metres, and is very well signposted. It starts in the lower part of the valley, populated by forests of red pine, fir and black pine. As you reach the Amitges refuge, at 2,380 metres, the trees become fewer and fewer. The Encantats peak will preside over the entire route, where you will be able to see seven impressive lakes. You will also be able to see the Amitges Pine, a monumental tree that has survived harsh environmental conditions.

Planell de Aigüestortes, Llong lake and Redó lake

With a duration of two and a half hours and a difference in altitude of 287 metres, this is the classic route that allows you to get to know the western sector of the park. This path follows the course of the river and climbs gradually through black pine forests and winding paths until it reaches Llong lake. From there, you border this beautiful lake and cross the Peixerani ravine. About thirty minutes later, the route will reach Redó lake. You will be able to see the Llebreta lake and the Sant Esperit waterfall.

Other routes

• Espot - JM Blanc Refuge
• Espot (Prat de Peiro) - E. Mallafré Shelter
• A Circular Tour of Sant Maurici Lake
• E. Mallafré - Gran Encantat Refuge
• Sant Maurici Lake - Amitges Refuge
• Amitges hut - Agulle d'Amitges
• Capdella/Sallente Reservoir - Colomina Refuge

Carros de Foc" (Chariots of Fire)

Carros de Foc Route - The Carros de Foc is a very popular route in the magnificent Parc Nacional d'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici.